第１４６８堀：会議その８ 冒険者区と医療でようやくおわりではじまり (Part2)
"Furthermore, about ninety percent of the population within Weed is in good health. As for the remaining ten percent... well, there are those who would rather drink and eat whatever they please even if it kills them..."
Ah...
Yeah, alcohol... it’s impossible to just give up, isn't it?
I’m not included in that ten percent, am I?
My health check-up... was fine, and I’ve been cutting back since the baby was born, limiting myself to just two beers a day...
I feel a prickle of internal panic, keeping my eyes glued to the documents to avoid meeting Rurua’s gaze.
There, the reality of the situation is laid bare, contradicting my hopeful thoughts.
The report lists three percent suffering from so-called incurable diseases, two percent with severe injuries from external factors like accidents, three percent in poor health due to poor lifestyle choices, and two percent suffering from temporary illnesses.
Incurable diseases.
There are indeed ailments that even the medical knowledge of Weed—or rather, the medical knowledge Yuki-san brought from his homeland—cannot fathom.
Of course, that figure includes permanent disabilities, so the number of truly "incurable" cases is likely much lower, but it remains proof that there are things modern Weed medicine cannot yet mend.
Under normal circumstances, one might suggest casting such patients aside to ensure the security of the city, but Yuki-san and Rurua would never dream of saying such a thing.
They would insist on investigating the cause to eradicate it entirely.
Yuki-san would probably put it bluntly, saying that these patients provide the data necessary to save others.
And it’s a given that Rurua would assert her pride as both a doctor and a saint, declaring that no illness is beyond her reach.
That is why we say nothing.
It would be futile, and the management of such cases is undoubtedly perfect.
They are likely being observed and documented with meticulous care in the isolation ward.
As I ponder this, scanning the pages, Yuki-san’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
"It’s hard to say, really. One could argue that life isn't worth living if you can't eat or drink what you love."
Exactly! What is the point of living if you’re deprived of the things you love?
I’m in total agreement there. It’s a path the individual has chosen, so it can’t be helped.
"It’s a difficult balance, isn't it? For people in positions of power like us, our lives affect the welfare of the nation, so we would be forced to keep living even if it meant being restrained. But for those without such responsibilities, forcing treatment upon them is a delicate matter."
Yes, that’s true.
Indeed, if someone in a high position were to collapse, it would cause trouble for the citizens, so we’d have no choice but to push through... wait?
A sudden sense of unease makes me look up, only to find everyone’s eyes fixed on me.
"So, Milly. Just keep in mind that if it comes down to it, your alcohol consumption will be forcibly terminated."
"Yuki-saaaaan!?"
I can’t help but shout, and a ripple of laughter breaks out among the group.
To think I’d be the punchline.
Well, I suppose it’s only because I drink so much.
"It’s not just about you, Milly. A biased diet—only eating meat, or only eating bread—is also a factor that ruins your health. I understand the desire to eat what you love, but please, be mindful of your habits."
"Understood."
"Now then, is that all for your report, Rurua?"
"Yes. The increase in demand for medical services is within our projections, so we are fine for now. However, this also means that medicine is still viewed with suspicion in some quarters, so I believe we must remain vigilant."
"To those who have been making money off healing magic, we’re a nuisance. That’s a very real possibility, even outside of Weed. We are, of course, keeping a close watch..."
"Given the involvement of the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Masters, I hate to think it, but we must consider the possibility of them joining forces."
...Enemies teaming up, huh?
I can’t exactly laugh off Rurua’s words as a lie.
Things like that happen all the time.
*Sigh.* It’s proof of how much Weed has grown, I suppose, but it also means more trouble.
"That, too, is something we must account for. Well, for now, I think we have a grasp on the current state of Weed’s daily operations. With this as our foundation, I will now report on what we’ve discovered since the Great Outbreak. Everyone ready?"
At those words, everyone nods.
It’s been a long session, but this is where the real work begins.
What are the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Masters aiming for? And what of the likes of Kinauf and Irinau, who seem to have joined hands?
I’m dying to know what kind of information is about to come to light.
It may have been a long road, but this is the current state of Weed.
There are times when understanding these premises is of the utmost importance.
It might not make for a traditional novel, but if one aims for realism, one must be able to extract the necessary truths from a vast sea of information.